I am writing this on June 21st, 2023, the first day of the Summer Solstice. For time immemorial, Man has venerated this most important period of the year. Still, in our technologically driven world, it holds just as much significance. Personally, this time of the year has always been pivotal in my life. And it was not until I started studying Astrology that I gained more clarity about how the Summer Solstice has impacted and continues to affect me. Ahead, is a demonstration of how astrological and astronomical phenomena, relative to the Summer Solstice, help to explain our existence at collective (macrocosmic) and individual (microcosmic) levels.
The Summer Solstice as a Biblical Drama
At the Summer Solstice, the Sun (sol) appears to stand still (stice) for 3 days. This marks its ingress into the sign of Cancer, which is associated with the crab, an animal that walks sideways. Thus, when the Sun reaches its maximum right ascension of 23.5 degrees, it appears to move sideways like the crab.
As I stated in my book, A Layman’s Guide to Manifestation, the title ‘Holy Bible’ is a clue into the codex inscriptus of said book. In other words, the Bible, though literally interpreted by the masses, is a carefully coded piece of literary work. In this offering, I will attempt to elucidate a layer of its esoteric meaning, relative to the Summer Solstice.
In the New Testament, the gospel of Matthew conveys a pivotal set of events involving the main character, Jesus the Christ. In the latter part of chapter 20, we find that Jesus healed two blind men (Gemini – the twins) upon leaving Jericho. Then, chapter 21 continues with the following:
(verse) 1 And when they drew nigh onto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
Moving ahead a bit, we find this:
7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
Attempting to make esoteric sense of the above, we begin with examining the meanings of the highlighted words:
- Jerusalem – foundation of peace
- Bethphage – place of unripe figs
- **Ass and Colt – see the explanation below
- Hosanna – a word of praise (original meaning “save us”)
Esoterically, Jerusalem coincides with the Summer Solstice and the astrological sign of Cancer. This claim is supported by the fact that when the Sun (Son) passes through the constellation of Cancer, it makes contact with two of its stars, Asellus Borealis (Northern Ass) and Asellus Australis (Southern Ass). The latter two refer to the ass and colt mentioned in the above passage from Matthew. Bethphage, meaning ‘place of unripe figs,’ gives clue to the unripe seed gestating in the womb (as in a human) or in the ground (as in the plant kingdom); Cancer is the sign of the womb or place of nativity. It is not until the sign of Leo that we have a ripened piece of fruit or a child. Then, when the Sun (Son), which has fully overcome the evil (bitter cold) of the Winter Solstice, arrives at the Summer Solstice, the exaltation of praise, Hosanna, is expressed. Furthermore, the Sun (Son) at the Summer Solstice in Cancer is viewed as the savior.
The irony is that while Jesus – The Sun (Son) is celebrated upon entry into Jerusalem (Cancer – the Summer Solstice), this triumphant moment and the longest day in the northern hemisphere is a precursor to a great tragedy. Jesus is preparing for crucifixion, paralleling the Sun’s declination toward the Autumnal Equinox and its final destination at the Winter Solstice (December 22nd).
As Above So Below
Until this point, we have been exploring the macrocosmic phenomenon of the Sun’s journey, but metaphysically, we can see how this parallels our personal (microcosmic) journey. For me, this time of the year has typically been somewhat difficult. I was born in the wee hours of the morning, and in the coldest period of winter. However, during the winter months, I long for spring and remain hopeful about summer. After all, who doesn’t enjoy the fullness of the Sun’s glory?
But, when summer arrives, I often feel metaphorically burned by the rays of the Sun. Born in February and under the cover of darkness, I relate more to the Sun in its exile. The latter is an astrological term, referring to the Sun when it’s in the sign opposite of what it rules – Leo. So if you haven’t guessed, I’m an Aquarius. I’ve come to realize that I’m naturally attuned to darkness, yet I still love and celebrate the Sun in its place of power (the Summer Solstice).
Here are some ways this plays out in my life:
- I want to be recognized and appreciated, but I don’t always want to be seen. (I know that sounds crazy)
- I desire warmth, but I need the periodic coldness of being alone.
- I have the ability to shine when on center stage, but I can become annoyed by too much attention being focused on me.
It has taken me years to arrive at these simple conclusions. And here, I want to add that this is one of the benefits of carefully studying and contemplating your own natal chart. It will continue to yield fruit (i.e. greater understanding of yourself).
My life has seemed to parallel the astronomical/astrological drama of the Sun (Son). I applaud the King as he rides triumphantly into Jerusalem, while knowing that this celebrated arrival denotes an approaching crucifixion. Subconsciously, I feel this; thus, in prior years I felt conflicted. I would think, “Summer is here; I should be happy. Yet, I feel troubled.” Not only does this happen because the Sun will begin to lose its power and light after the solstice; for me, its mythological significance is further magnified by the fact that, when it arrives at the Summer Solstice in the sign of Cancer, it is approaching my natal Saturn, the planet of sacrifice and testing.
For further context, I have what’s called a mutual reception between my natal Sun (at 13 degrees of Aquarius) and Saturn (at 13 degrees of Leo). This aspect (called an opposition) further explains the tug-of-war that I feel, as the two planets are about as opposite as you can get. One is the primary luminary, giver and sustainer of life, while the other represents contraction, coldness and barrenness. The saving grace is the fact that they have mutual reception. Thus, in a way they understand each other. I’ve come to appreciate the sacrifice and willingness to toil (Saturn) that is necessary for my light to shine (Sun).
Soul Clues Experienced Through Family
I was fortunate to grow up around religious scholars. Although they weren’t official members of the scholastic academy, they were quite erudite. My maternal grandmother, a quiet, diligent and persistent Capricorn, maintained a house of wonder. It was adorned with Oriental artwork, and Islamic and Christian motifs. Above her front door, she had a plate affixed to the wall, which was adorned with a replica of Jerusalem.
Then, my father, a confident and disciplined Leo, worked as the religion editor at our local newspaper. He was quite Saturnian in nature and helped tremendously in igniting my Saturn in Leo in the 9th house of philosophy, religion, periodicals and higher learning.
Interestingly, he and my mother, who is a Virgo and retired teacher (Virgo is the Virgin Mother who sacrifices, works and cultivates the Christ light), were married on June 23rd, 1973 (the last day of the Summer Solstice). Four years later, I would be born just 9 days after the Winter Solstice. It almost seems that my Soul indirectly initiated the contrast through my parent union 4 years prior to my birth, providing clue that this child would be challenged to sift through, sort out, and grow through this microcosmic drama that would, if successfully maneuvered, represent the evolution and refinement of a shard of the Divine. ~ yeah, that was a long sentence ~
If that’s not enough, in my Astro Carto Graphy (ASG) chart, my descendant (one-on-one relationship, marriage) line runs close to Jerusalem. Well, my wife was born in Jerusalem, and her name means “peaceful journey.”
One could argue that these examples are mere coincidences, but I would beg to differ.
Final Reflection
In life, each of us experiences that moment or moments (if we’re fortunate) of glory, where our light shines its brightest. And just as the Sun’s journey to Cancer (Summer Solstice) was lauded by the ancients, we too should enjoy the moment and bask in its illumination. Still, we should be mindful that after the Sun moves beyond the solstice point, it will begin its descent to the “cross.” Thus, while the Sun shines brightly, we should revel at its greatness yet be preparing for its fall; enjoy the fruits of our accomplishments yet understand that the bell curve eventually reaches its crescendo and then drops. Everything is always either becoming or undoing.
Life has been painfully teaching me this lesson, and with the opposition and mutual reception between the Sun and Saturn, I am continuing to learn how to balance the brilliant light and the frigid darkness that need each other in order for there to be balance. Furthermore, the pondering of the above synchronicities continues to help me understand the necessity of sacrifice in my personal travels, and how to make this a “peaceful journey.” And this is contributing to my maturation at a Soul level. I’m also seeing how the cosmic drama that we participate in provides clues and a blueprint for how to manage our individual Christ energy.
To conclude, my hope is that this offering demonstrates just how powerful Astrology is. It’s not a thing of entertainment; it’s Man’s first scientific and Soul operation, as within it all sciences are found. I’m so grateful that the Divine has allowed me a seat in the ongoing Soul class of Astrology, and my goal is to continue to share its bountiful plenty with those who would choose to sup at its table.
If you’d like to revisit your chart and gain an even deeper perspective of who and why you are, here’s a discount code that’s valid until the end of June (enter mental when checking out), when you book through my site.
And as always, know the stars to know yourself!
Jamal